Preview — Wrapped Up in You
by Jill Shalvis

Wrapped Up in You

After a lifetime on the move, Ivy Snow is an expert in all things temporary—schools, friends, and way too many Mr. Wrongs. Now that she owns a successful taco truck in San Francisco and an apartment to call home, Ivy’s reinvented life is on solid ground. And she’s guarded against anything that can rock it. Like the realities of a past she’s worked harIt’s love. Trust me.

After a lifetime on the move, Ivy Snow is an expert in all things temporary—schools, friends, and way too many Mr. Wrongs. Now that she owns a successful taco truck in San Francisco and an apartment to call home, Ivy’s reinvented life is on solid ground. And she’s guarded against anything that can rock it. Like the realities of a past she’s worked hard to cover up. And especially Kel O’Donnell. Too hot not to set off alarms, he screams temporary. If only his whispers weren’t so delightfully naughty and irresistible.

Kel, an Idaho sheriff and ranch owner, is on vacay, but Ivy’s a spicy reason to give his short-terms plans a second thought. Best of all, she’s a tonic for his untrusting heart, burned once and still in repair. But when Ivy’s past intrudes on a perfect romance, Kel fears that everything she’s told him has been a perfect lie. Now, if only Ivy’s willing to share, Kel will fight for a true love story....more

I had hastily picked up this book after DNFing two in a row. I was thinking, if anyone would be able to fend off this book slump, it would be Jill Shalvis, and I was right!

I am ALWAYS excited to read a new Shalvis book, but when I saw that Kel from the Animal Magnetism books was joining the Heartbreaker Bay gang, I was bouncing up and down. Kel was a character we fans were clamoring about. We wanted the sexy sheriff to get his HEA, and not only did Shalvis deliver that, via a wonderful romance,I had hastily picked up this book after DNFing two in a row. I was thinking, if anyone would be able to fend off this book slump, it would be Jill Shalvis, and I was right!

I am ALWAYS excited to read a new Shalvis book, but when I saw that Kel from the Animal Magnetism books was joining the Heartbreaker Bay gang, I was bouncing up and down. Kel was a character we fans were clamoring about. We wanted the sexy sheriff to get his HEA, and not only did Shalvis deliver that, via a wonderful romance, she also gave him that "home" he had previously thought was gone forever.

I thought this was a rather brilliant pairing, too. Kel had been hesitant to form any real emotional ties. He had lost his father and grandparents, been abandoned by his mother, and was betrayed by someone he considered a very close friend.

Ivy was in a similar situation. She grew up with a neglectful mother and a brother who constantly put her in precarious situations. Both had let her down, time and again, and she grew to think she could only count on herself. Cow's Hollow was the first place she established roots, but she still kept everyone at arm's length.

It was rather wonderful watching these two chip away at each other's walls. They both had so much baggage and pain in their pasts, and I was eager for each of them to, in the immortal words of Lenny Kravitz, let love rule. They also seemed really well suited for each other. There was chemistry, connection, and something special, which just made me want them to ride off into the sunset together.

Besides their fantastic romance, we had all those stupendous elements of friendship, that I know will be present, when I pick up a Jill Shalvis book. Many members of the "gang" made an appearance, as they went on outings, worked out, and shared many heart-to-hearts. I always enjoy the ease these characters have with each other, as well as the heartfelt and humorous times they share together.

On top of all that, we had quite a bit of family involvement. Not only were Kel and Ivy opening their hearts to love, they were re-opening them to their families, and allowing themselves to heal their pasts. There's a lot of lovely moments and much forgiveness to go around, and I was a big fan of these elements.

Overall: A beautiful story of the power of love, friendship, and forgiveness and opening yourself up to possibilities. I hope there will be many more books in the Heartbreaker Bay series, because I am far from ready to leave this world.

Initial ThoughtsThis was another solid read from Jill Shalvis. Kel and Ivy were great together and I thought that they had a lot in common with each other with their family issues. I was really happy to see an epilogue that showed us how things would work out for them. An all-around great read!

*I received a free copy of Wrapped Up in You. This has in no way influenced my review which is honest and unbiased.*

Wrapped Up in You brought me back to the merry gang of Heartbreaker Bay, and it was so good! Ivy had always been in the background when it came to the group of friends. And now, I understand that so very well.

Kel is a new addition, he's Caleb's hot cousin, and he started out just as big an enigma as Ivy was. Closed off, a little bit stand-offish, but with a soft, strong heart.

I enj*I received a free copy of Wrapped Up in You. This has in no way influenced my review which is honest and unbiased.*

Wrapped Up in You brought me back to the merry gang of Heartbreaker Bay, and it was so good! Ivy had always been in the background when it came to the group of friends. And now, I understand that so very well.

Kel is a new addition, he's Caleb's hot cousin, and he started out just as big an enigma as Ivy was. Closed off, a little bit stand-offish, but with a soft, strong heart.

I enjoyed the chemistry between the main characters, and I have several quotes I can use for my TT&HH on the blog, as well as for my Safe & Sexy. I may have to wait a while to use them, though, as it's still a while until this novel is released.

If you're looking for a story where there's hot romance, strong friendships, and a big dilemma that could break everything that had just started to be built, this novel is for you!...more

The Heartbreaker Bay gang won my heart from the very start. I loved reading each character's story and always eagerly await the next book in the series.

Ivy was a bit of a mystery character for me as I only recalled her character from the previous books but other than running the food truck and being a friend of Sadie's I didn't recall much about her character. Watching her character unfold was like watching a flower bloom. She is such a complex character and my heart went out to her as you coulThe Heartbreaker Bay gang won my heart from the very start. I loved reading each character's story and always eagerly await the next book in the series.

Ivy was a bit of a mystery character for me as I only recalled her character from the previous books but other than running the food truck and being a friend of Sadie's I didn't recall much about her character. Watching her character unfold was like watching a flower bloom. She is such a complex character and my heart went out to her as you could see her wanting to reach out to the rest of the Heartbreaker Bay group to form deeper relationships but is also afraid of doing so. The chemistry between Ivy and Kel is so thick you could cut it with a knife. Both have their flaws and trust issues but as a reader I kept rooting for them to overcome it all and find their happily ever after.

As in the other books in the series we get to see the past couples and how they are doing which thrilled me as I really loved Caleb and wanted more of him. I can't wait to see what comes next for this group! ...more

Ivy Snow runs the taco truck in Cow Hollow. She had led a transient life from the time she was a child and has finally found a place to settle down and grow roots with her new friends, business, and is working towards a new apartment. But her past has made her put up walls and she is used to looking over her shoulder and practicing self-preservation. And sometimes she uses little white lies to hide uncomfortable parts of her past and family dynamics. She is afraid of being vulnerable and of commIvy Snow runs the taco truck in Cow Hollow. She had led a transient life from the time she was a child and has finally found a place to settle down and grow roots with her new friends, business, and is working towards a new apartment. But her past has made her put up walls and she is used to looking over her shoulder and practicing self-preservation. And sometimes she uses little white lies to hide uncomfortable parts of her past and family dynamics. She is afraid of being vulnerable and of commitment.

Kel O'Donnell is Caleb's cousin who is visiting for a couple of weeks. He is a ranch owner and Sheriff in Idaho and is recovering from an injury, but still willing to help Caleb out in security. He has his own trust issues especially with women and hates lies. He is a bit stoic, guarded, but also protective and thoughtful.

But Ivy is a tempting little surprise he never saw coming. And she cannot seem to get Kel off her mind either. They could both be trouble for the other. They seem to have the ability to see each other more clearly than most and are willing to share more due to their similarly complicated family dynamics.

But Kel is only supposed to be there temporarily. And Ivy has a really hard time being open and honest. And both have trust and relationship issues....and past problems that still seem to be affecting their present. Ivy has never had someone to truly have her back. And Kel has been burned himself.

Can two damaged people truly overcome their pasts? Or are they bound to hurt each other if they get too close?

This is a fun, feisty, and sexy romance with some personal challenges. It is about being brave, vulnerable, finding hope, overcoming past hurts. This brings back many of the characters from this series especially his cousin, Caleb and their friend, Jake. But also many of the girls that have formed Ivy's girl tribe. It is fun to revisit this world and this group that has formed a family, but it could easily be read as a stand-alone.

Ivy Snow and Kel O’Donnell are an unlikely couple with Kel valuing honesty above just about anything while Ivy willingly hides her past behind some whopping fibs. The way they meet is spicier than Kel’s tastebuds would usually prefer as Ivy offers him a taco from her taco truck...but what a delightful way to meet! As book eight in the series one might think there are no more stories to be told but that is definitely NOT true as I still need toWrapped Up In You by Jill ShalvisHeartbreaker Bay #8

Ivy Snow and Kel O’Donnell are an unlikely couple with Kel valuing honesty above just about anything while Ivy willingly hides her past behind some whopping fibs. The way they meet is spicier than Kel’s tastebuds would usually prefer as Ivy offers him a taco from her taco truck...but what a delightful way to meet! As book eight in the series one might think there are no more stories to be told but that is definitely NOT true as I still need to hear how more than one character meets their match through a coin tossed in the magic fountain!

What I liked: * Ivy – what a strong, independent and caring woman she is! To have gone through all she did and come out so well is a major statement about her character and coping skills* Kel – a book boyfriend worthy of Ivy with his calm, steady and ability to slow things down and get to the bottom of things.* Family – there is so much of it in this series whether truly related by blood or chosen by the group. They are thre for one another no matter what.* Learning what Kel learned when he finally talked to his mother* The ability of people to make changes, grow and become better* Heartbreaker Bay – what a wonderful place it would be to live* The smile it put on my face while reading, at the end and now a day later

What I didn’t like: * Hmm...there were some criminals that were dislike-worthy and one person I was angry with but he sort of redeemed himself so...in fact...there wasn’t really anything I disliked about this book because the bad had to happen for the good to take place.

Did I like this book? Definitely! Will I read more in this series and by this author? Without a doubt!

Ivy Snow has spent her life surviving and moving around. Her brother is a bit of a bum and trouble maker. Usually leading that trouble to Ivy. With all that, she's remained someone with a good heart and good morals. Kel is a cop through and through. He had a incident in Sunshine Idaho where he worked that injured him and so now he's on a bit of a vacation in San Francisco hanging out and working with his cousin. Years ago he had a falling out with his mother that caused his to not trust love. JiIvy Snow has spent her life surviving and moving around. Her brother is a bit of a bum and trouble maker. Usually leading that trouble to Ivy. With all that, she's remained someone with a good heart and good morals. Kel is a cop through and through. He had a incident in Sunshine Idaho where he worked that injured him and so now he's on a bit of a vacation in San Francisco hanging out and working with his cousin. Years ago he had a falling out with his mother that caused his to not trust love. Jill Shalvis is the kind of author whose books make you laugh and maybe make you cry a bit too. Most people who read her books know Kel has been a secondary character in another series of hers. Luckily for us he's moved over to this series and finally we find out more about him and he gets his HEA. He doesn't get it easily and he messes it up before it's all over. Ivy is one of those tough chicks that's a tough chick because he's always had to be one. Her heart is surrounded by a layer of titanium. Somehow Kel works his way in there. Nothing is simple for Ivy though and she loses all her dreams in one night. Jill Shalvis writes characters you will root for. Her character are fresh and fun and you want to be a part of the group. This book is the kind you read with a smile on your face and wish you could read it all over again for the first time.

I adore Jill Shalvis’Heartbreaker Bay Series the characters are so alive and the setting has that small town vibe despite being set in San Francisco. That sense of community and close friendship has become another mainstay character in the series which keeps it cohesive and adorable. Wrapped Up In You is the latest installment and if you’ve been following the series from the original five books, the succeeding books are all standalones and can be read as such. Here we have Ivy and Kel ( also a cI adore Jill Shalvis’Heartbreaker Bay Series the characters are so alive and the setting has that small town vibe despite being set in San Francisco. That sense of community and close friendship has become another mainstay character in the series which keeps it cohesive and adorable. Wrapped Up In You is the latest installment and if you’ve been following the series from the original five books, the succeeding books are all standalones and can be read as such. Here we have Ivy and Kel ( also a character from another of Ms. Shalvis other series) both with not so normal childhoods which have affected every adult decision they’ve ever made. So when they become attracted to each other trust is always at the back of their minds. But like the other books, they do resolve these issues, have wonderfully sweet and sexy dates but most of all this book like all the ones previous to it will have readers wrapped comfortably in familial emotions and friendship. Its a great feel good holiday romance!...more

A wonderful story of love found, trust earned, and family restored. Kel and Ivy are great characters that have been alone for a long time. They both think it's best to stay alone, so when attraction stikes it's hard for them to believe they could have something better. I loved the strength they show, the dedicated circle of friends, and how family, both good and bad, played into the story. The epilogue was great, showing a brief glimpse into the future assuring us all was well. Highly recommendeA wonderful story of love found, trust earned, and family restored. Kel and Ivy are great characters that have been alone for a long time. They both think it's best to stay alone, so when attraction stikes it's hard for them to believe they could have something better. I loved the strength they show, the dedicated circle of friends, and how family, both good and bad, played into the story. The epilogue was great, showing a brief glimpse into the future assuring us all was well. Highly recommended....more

I received this arc for an honest review. I absolutely loved this book. It took me 3 days to read it because I've been so busy ,I really hated every time I had to put it down!It's got all the feels, I laughed, I cried and I got angry ,then sad at the different situations and best of all it has a happily ever after too. The chemistry between Ivy and Kel was sizzling and the slowburn was tantalizing. I've only read the first book in this series but can be read as a a standalone . I need to catch uI received this arc for an honest review. I absolutely loved this book. It took me 3 days to read it because I've been so busy ,I really hated every time I had to put it down!It's got all the feels, I laughed, I cried and I got angry ,then sad at the different situations and best of all it has a happily ever after too. The chemistry between Ivy and Kel was sizzling and the slowburn was tantalizing. I've only read the first book in this series but can be read as a a standalone . I need to catch up with the previous books now to see what I've missed though. I f you like Bella Andre or Melissa Foster this author is probably for you too...more

Wonderful! This is a great continuation of the Heartbreaker Bay series. As is Jill Shalvis’s style, this story is filled with emotion, a marvelous story of second chances, breaking down walls, friendship, family relationships, trust, and love. It was fun to have Kel, originally from the Animal Magnetism series, flow so seamlessly into the Heartbreaker Bay series. Reading the previous books in either series isn’t essential, but I highly recommend all of them as well as this book. Loved it!

You know how sometimes a book hits all of your personal preferences to the point where you almost feel like it was meant for you?! That was this book for me. I'm ambivalent about Jill Shalvis sometimes---her prose varies from clever and cozily relatable to just kind of sloppily written in my opinion, and her characters (and their friendships and romantic relationships with one another) often feel undefined and indistinguishable for me, with almost every hero, heroine and their stories starting tYou know how sometimes a book hits all of your personal preferences to the point where you almost feel like it was meant for you?! That was this book for me. I'm ambivalent about Jill Shalvis sometimes---her prose varies from clever and cozily relatable to just kind of sloppily written in my opinion, and her characters (and their friendships and romantic relationships with one another) often feel undefined and indistinguishable for me, with almost every hero, heroine and their stories starting to seem identical from one book to the next. I can't get as invested in the recurring, ever-expanding group of friends featured in these Heartbreaker Bay books as I'd hoped because so many of these characters seem to have the exact same personalities and interact in the exact same ways with one another to the point where they all just kind of blend together.

So clearly some of Jill Shalvis's books, and particularly in this series, are a miss for me. But when her books DO hit with me, they lift my mood and spirits like almost no other novels ever, and I'm very happy to report that that was the case with Wrapped Up in You. The hero, Kel, is a 'law and order', tough sheriff type with a sharp mind and previously broken but still extremely kind heart. He's outdoorsy (a weirdly big plus for me---don't ask!), insightful, honorable, hardworking, slyly funny, and had me wondering where I can find a guy just like him in real life :) Kel, as a distinctly flawed yet undeniably wonderful man, stood in such favorable contrast to another romance novel I just read which featured a so-called "hero" who acted more like a semi-sociopath for the majority of the novel. It's such a pleasure to see Shalvis bucking this trend by continuing to give us heroes who are imperfect yet still men we can actually love, root for and daydream about!

The heroine, Ivy, was a lot like my other favorite Shalvis heroines---tough, fiercely independent and kind of prickly due to her trust issues yet loving, loyal, generous and passionate. She runs a food truck that specializes in amazing Mexican food, which is a plus for me since 1. that's my favorite type of cuisine! and 2. I continue to respect how Jill Shalvis gives her heroines varied skills and jobs that run the gamut from blue collar to white collar but are all relatable---as opposed to the billionaire heiresses, glamorous supermodels or Most Famous Actress Ever heroines we get in some other romances :) The thing that made Ivy stand out for me was her very interesting backstory---she had to be a rootless chameleon by necessity, always moving on physically and emotionally before forming real ties, so watching her trust her true self and others enough to commit to a more permanent life and love was really gratifying.

Anyway, like a lot of novels by this and other romance authors, the book is essentially about the hero and heroine overcoming past scars and trust issues en route to coming to terms with who they truly are and what/who they truly want. We all love and relate to those themes, but sometimes they play out in the form of endlessly repetitive, circular conversations and rambling internal monologues because there's very little actual plot. Thankfully, Wrapped Up in You has a real story about how Ivy's past and her family ties may now put her in direct conflict with our law enforcement hero. I don't want to spoil anyone so will avoid delving into details, but I found it a nice change from the usual plots (or glaring LACK of plots!) we get in a lot of romance novels.

So the hero is an all-time favorite, I love and admire the heroine, some of the dialogue and prose is among Shalvis's very best, and this book had more of an actual (and somewhat unique!) plot than what we find in many romance novels. Most importantly, it's an extraordinarily warmhearted, funny, quietly insightful book that's genuinely inspiring without veering into cheesiness and sexy without being excessively explicit. The tagline is deceptively simple but fitting: "Trust me. It's love." Watching these people learn to trust themselves, each other and the beautiful, scary, jumbled but glorious mess known as love was one of the best reading experiences I've had in several months! ...more

Ivy Snow and Kal O’Donnel wow is all I can say. Opposites attract. Learning how to trust. Both have pasts that taught them to not trust. Both needed to learn how to forgive. Both had huge issues to put to bed instead of each other and let’s hope they learn how. Jill seriously knows how to put words on paper my heart is still racing. Love this book!!!

Wrapped up in You is the eighth book in the Heartbreaker Bay series by the hilarious and talented Jill Shalvis. I've been a fan of Jill's for years and one of the things I love about her is the way she writes her series'. Lucky Harbor is one of my all time favorite series' because she kept giving us fresh, new sets of characters and you never think you will love them the way you did the previous ones, but you do! Wrapped up in You is Ivy and Kel's story. Ivy is the resident taco truck chef and KWrapped up in You is the eighth book in the Heartbreaker Bay series by the hilarious and talented Jill Shalvis. I've been a fan of Jill's for years and one of the things I love about her is the way she writes her series'. Lucky Harbor is one of my all time favorite series' because she kept giving us fresh, new sets of characters and you never think you will love them the way you did the previous ones, but you do! Wrapped up in You is Ivy and Kel's story. Ivy is the resident taco truck chef and Kel is Caleb's cousin. Ivy has been running from her past her entire life, but she's putting down roots Cow Hollow San Francisco and even has a few friends. This is all new and different for her, but she's trying to be better. She finally wants something permanent in her life. Her taco truck is a big hit and she's become a smart, savvy business woman. She's too busy working and saving money to buy a condo to even think about men, dating or relationships. Then she meets Kel. She has an instant attraction to him and it's definitely mutual. She fed him her spiciest taco and he's hooked. Kel has trouble trusting people after what happened to him back home. He's a cop and loves his life, but he's on vacation visiting his cousin and his sister while doing some security work for Caleb. Ivy still doesn't feel like part of the crowd, but with Kel along it seems more real. More fun. Both of them are smiling more, laughing more and are less broody once they stop fighting their feelings and give in to their attraction. But when Ivy's past comes back with a vengeance, Kel has trouble trusting everything she's shared with him. He was thinking about staying in town, working and starting something real with Ivy, but now he doesn't know what to believe. Ivy isn't going to force him to believe her. He either does or doesn't. Period. Can these two let their pasts go and have a future together? I loved this story! I love all of these characters and I'm excited to see who's up next! Overall, I laughed, got mad, shed a tear or two and swooned. Kel was surprisingly romantic and Ivy is hilarious! I also want tacos.

"I'm the law.""The law can be dirty.""True. And I can be very dirty, but only when I'm off duty, and only if you ask real nice."

"I'm going to kiss you now, Ivy. Tell me if that's okay.""Are you always going to ask me that question before you kiss me?"Until I can read you better and be sure of what you want, yes."

"I'm not riding anything that's hot a mind of it's own.""Ever?"She grimaced. "Well, I walked right into that one, didn't I?""Want to take it back?""I'll get back to you on that one.""I look forward to it."...more

Gah, I just love getting back to Heartbreaker Bay! I just adore every single thing about the people in this series.

I love how the Pacific Pier extended family keeps growing, and we have more lovelies to fall in love with. So Ms Shalvis will just have to keep writing this series forever!

Ivy and Kel's backgrounds are not the easiest to move forward from, though they are a great help for each other. Neither of them wants a relationship, however with Kel always herARC received for an honest review.

Gah, I just love getting back to Heartbreaker Bay! I just adore every single thing about the people in this series.

I love how the Pacific Pier extended family keeps growing, and we have more lovelies to fall in love with. So Ms Shalvis will just have to keep writing this series forever!

Ivy and Kel's backgrounds are not the easiest to move forward from, though they are a great help for each other. Neither of them wants a relationship, however with Kel always her knight in shining armour, Ivy can't help falling. I wanted to knock some sense into both of them when they kept avoiding the obvious!

I little bit funny, a little bit sexy, a little bit suspensey, Wrapped Up In You had a little bit of everything, and makes me want to move into the area and be friends with all of them.

I enjoy the Heartbreaker Bay series for many reasons. It takes place in San Francisco. The demographics is amazing-rich and poor, straight and LGBT, young and old, Friends and family. I will also admit that some of the stories are better than others. But this one is the best. Wrapped Up in You has become my ultimate favorite.

The main characters are newcomers. Ivy has been there about a year selling amazing tacos from a not so legal taco truck. Kel is a by the book sheriff on leave after a dirtyI enjoy the Heartbreaker Bay series for many reasons. It takes place in San Francisco. The demographics is amazing-rich and poor, straight and LGBT, young and old, Friends and family. I will also admit that some of the stories are better than others. But this one is the best. Wrapped Up in You has become my ultimate favorite.

The main characters are newcomers. Ivy has been there about a year selling amazing tacos from a not so legal taco truck. Kel is a by the book sheriff on leave after a dirty deputy tried killing him in Idaho. She is a survivor, one of the few to make it after a terrible childhood. He was raised by his loving grandparents in Idaho since he was dumped off by his mom. She has nothing and he was left everything.

From day one there is chemistry, hot tacos are a conversation starter, dares get the temperatures rising. Him being a cop is a conversation stopper.

Resistance is futile. We have no control over who we love. Thankfully for the reader neither Ivy or Kel realize that they should surrender to love. Their journey is bumpy. Their walls are thick. Family is complicated.

The Heartbreaker Bay series is a community of great characters. Revisiting them is always a pleasure. In Wrapped Up in You they are quite active in trying to influence love. They don't just give a coin to toss in the fountain. They give love and support. More importantly they give acceptance throughout the story making me love the characters even more but not as much as Ivy and Kel.

Take a trip to San Francisco. Enjoy the sites. Meet the citizens and fall in love with Ivy and Kel. ...more

I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

Ivy is a woman who has had a hard start in life and is trying to make better choices to live the life she wants. Kel hasn’t had the easiest of lives either and is estranged from his family after his mother abandoned him at the age of 12.

I liked Ivy and appreciated having a lead character who was working hard and struggling to make a better life for herself, but her lying bugged me. For Kel, he seems like a good but the authoI received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

Ivy is a woman who has had a hard start in life and is trying to make better choices to live the life she wants. Kel hasn’t had the easiest of lives either and is estranged from his family after his mother abandoned him at the age of 12.

I liked Ivy and appreciated having a lead character who was working hard and struggling to make a better life for herself, but her lying bugged me. For Kel, he seems like a good but the author spent a lot of time telling us how he pushed people away because of his mother and, frankly making out that he is wrong not to forgive her. That bugged me too. He had every right to feel the way he did and everyone making out like it was no big deal and water under the bridge pissed me off.

Ivy and Kel’s romance is enjoyable, though predictable, and it took quite a while for it to grow on me. For the majority of the story I was just going with the flow and didn’t feel particularly invested but I was having a good time. Then the poop hit the fan. I realised I was totally invested when I started bawling my eyes out. As expected, we get a perfect romantic ending but I was really annoyed because there was nowhere near enough grovelling for my liking.

Wrapped Up in You is a good romance. Not my favourite in the series but still worth your time.

Having grown up constantly on the move, Ivy Snow is content to finally be grounding herself in San Francisco with her successful taco truck. Then the sexy-as-sin Kel O'Donnell comes to town and Ivy Snow can hardly resist his charm and their natural attraction to one another. But Kel is only temporary and Ivy isn't even sure that she deserves the kind of long-lasting love that all of her friends have.

Jill Shalvis is an auto-buy/auto-read author for me. She is truly a master of fun, sexy small-towHaving grown up constantly on the move, Ivy Snow is content to finally be grounding herself in San Francisco with her successful taco truck. Then the sexy-as-sin Kel O'Donnell comes to town and Ivy Snow can hardly resist his charm and their natural attraction to one another. But Kel is only temporary and Ivy isn't even sure that she deserves the kind of long-lasting love that all of her friends have.

Jill Shalvis is an auto-buy/auto-read author for me. She is truly a master of fun, sexy small-town romances and her Heartbreaker Bay series is no exception. Though not my favorite installment, Wrapped Up In You offers plenty of swoony-worthy moments, a stubborn female protagonist, and a sexy male love interest who knows how to get past her walls. This installment is also just Christmassy enough without being too Christmassy, so if you don't celebrate the holiday, it'll still warm you up during the winter months.

The only issue that I have with small-town romances, including Jill Shalvis' books, is that characters from previous stories are so happy to have found their true loves that they're almost "out of character" in later installments. Sadie from book 7 is extremely dopey and gushy here, though she had some serious emotional issues to overcome in her own story. While I'm glad she's happy now that she's found her soulmate, I felt like she wasn't the same person I had just read about before....more

Whenever I come across a story written by this talented author , I know it will be another exquisite treasure that I am unwrapping. Think of a Faberge egg: delicate , complex, and with multiple layers and depth.If you read the Animal Magnetism series (if you haven’t , it’s a must read series), you met Kel O’Donnell. This is his story . When he takes a leave from his work as a sheriff and rancher in Idaho, he goes to San Francisco to visit his cousin Caleb. This is the place where he spend the fiWhenever I come across a story written by this talented author , I know it will be another exquisite treasure that I am unwrapping. Think of a Faberge egg: delicate , complex, and with multiple layers and depth.If you read the Animal Magnetism series (if you haven’t , it’s a must read series), you met Kel O’Donnell. This is his story . When he takes a leave from his work as a sheriff and rancher in Idaho, he goes to San Francisco to visit his cousin Caleb. This is the place where he spend the first few years of his life, before his world imploded. Ivy Snow is new in town and the owner of a taco truck. She has befriended the Cow Hallow’s gang, though still keeping herself on the outside.These two are attracted from the moment they meet, but both have issues of trust, and not feeling they are worthy of love.A reminder that our childhood and the actions of our parents, will indeed affect the child and even more when the individual becomes an adult. Holding in emotions, trusting issues, keeping the guard up, and feeling that no one has their back are just some of the issues they face.Can they finally find out that having someone have their back in good times and bad times is worth the risk?As Ivy’s aunt always told her :“Be smart, be brave, be vulnerable.”Another extraordinary book you’ll will keep close to your hearts.I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own....more

Kel and Ivy are one great couple!! Plus it was great to catch up with all of our favorite characters from Heartbreaker Bay.

Kel is helping out his cousin Caleb while Kel recuperates from a work injury. Plus he was totally blindsided by his partner when he found out she was a dirty cop.

Ivy is attempting to plant roots since she fell in love with San Francisco as soon as she ended up there and wants to make a life for herself there. She has a successful taco food truck, lots of friends, whom she kKel and Ivy are one great couple!! Plus it was great to catch up with all of our favorite characters from Heartbreaker Bay.

Kel is helping out his cousin Caleb while Kel recuperates from a work injury. Plus he was totally blindsided by his partner when he found out she was a dirty cop.

Ivy is attempting to plant roots since she fell in love with San Francisco as soon as she ended up there and wants to make a life for herself there. She has a successful taco food truck, lots of friends, whom she keeps at a distance of course, and a brother who comes and goes in her life on the regular.

Kel has major trust issues and knows when Ivy is withholding information from him. However when she does come forward with something, he doesn't believe her. Ivy is heartbroken, distraught, and feeling very lonely.

Ivy finally opened herself up and it go thrown back into her face. Can Kel find out the truth and make things right before it is too late? Will Ivy have it in her to forgive him and realize that her friends have her back, always?

Kel and Ivy are hot and heavy and have an instant attraction and connection but neither really know what to do with it. Can the both overcome their pasts and find that they are meant to be with each other? Do their wishes from the wishing well come true?...more

I'm going to start this review by stating that I love every single book in the Animal Magnetism Series by Jill Shalvis (they were the first books that I read by Jill Shalvis). So when I found out that Kel was going to have his own book I was so ecstatic!

But this story isn't only Kel's, it is also Ivy's story. If you've read any of the Heartbreaker Bay books then you know that Ivy is the tenant of a food truck and is friends with the core group of characters who the series is centered around. II'm going to start this review by stating that I love every single book in the Animal Magnetism Series by Jill Shalvis (they were the first books that I read by Jill Shalvis). So when I found out that Kel was going to have his own book I was so ecstatic!

But this story isn't only Kel's, it is also Ivy's story. If you've read any of the Heartbreaker Bay books then you know that Ivy is the tenant of a food truck and is friends with the core group of characters who the series is centered around. I loved how complex Ivy's character was. While Kel mainly deals in black and white - he is a cop after all - Ivy's life is centered in a lot of gray. She's had a hard past and is trying her hardest to turn a new leaf.

Shalvis always knows how to make me laugh, but she also did a great job with pushing my emotions to the edge with this book. I felt deeply for Ivy and felt her anxiety acutely. Kel has his own demons from his past that he has to face. Both Ivy and Kel bring out the best in each other and I loved watching them find each other.

Another great book by Jill Shalvis! I only wish I could have revisited some of the cast from the Animal Magnetism Series :)

I received an ARC of this book to read through Edelweiss+ in exchange for a fair review. Wrapped up in you by Jill Shalvis is one of her Heartbreaker Bay Series Books. I believe each book is designed so that it can be read as a stand-alone. The books revolve around a group of friends in San Fransisco and are all very enjoyable to read. I look at Jill Shalvis’s stories as comfort food reading, with interesting angsty protagonists and a satisfying HEA. Ivy Snow has been adrift most of her life, wiI received an ARC of this book to read through Edelweiss+ in exchange for a fair review. Wrapped up in you by Jill Shalvis is one of her Heartbreaker Bay Series Books. I believe each book is designed so that it can be read as a stand-alone. The books revolve around a group of friends in San Fransisco and are all very enjoyable to read. I look at Jill Shalvis’s stories as comfort food reading, with interesting angsty protagonists and a satisfying HEA. Ivy Snow has been adrift most of her life, with a family that dabbles in petty crime she finds it hard to stay in one place, make friends and trust people. She would like to settle down, find a home, make some roots and grow her taco truck business. Kel O’Donnell has had to take on adult responsibilities at a very young age when his father died and his mother abandoned him and his sister. He is now at a crossroads with some decisions to make about where he wants his life to go, while taking a forced break from his job in law enforcement, he visits his cousin in San Fransisco and meets feisty Ivy. Things get hot quickly and not just because of her amazing tacos. Medium Steam. Publishing Date September 24, 2019 #EdelweissPlus #JillShalvis #WrappedUpInYou #AvonRomance #AvonBooks #HarperCollinsPublishers #HarperCollinsCanada ...more

Wrapped Up In You is a great story in the Heartbreaker Bay series by Jill Shalvis.

This is the story of Ivy Snow and Kel O' Donnell. Ivy isn't used to staying in one place long. Now she has a successful Taco truck in San Francisco. She has covered up her past and is living a new life. She meets Kel O' Donnell an Idaho Sheriff and ranch owner. He screams temporary but he is to hard to resist.

Ivy decides to give his short term plans a shot. Ivy's past comes around to make problems in her new lifeWrapped Up In You is a great story in the Heartbreaker Bay series by Jill Shalvis.

This is the story of Ivy Snow and Kel O' Donnell. Ivy isn't used to staying in one place long. Now she has a successful Taco truck in San Francisco. She has covered up her past and is living a new life. She meets Kel O' Donnell an Idaho Sheriff and ranch owner. He screams temporary but he is to hard to resist.

Ivy decides to give his short term plans a shot. Ivy's past comes around to make problems in her new life. Kel is afraid everything she has told him is a lie. He's been burned and hurt in the past and is still recovering. If Ivy will open up her heart and share the truth about her past will Kel trust her and give her a chance? Can they survive her past life?

I loved this book and once I read it I couldn't put it down until I finished it. This was a great book with great characters who have real problems and feel like real people. You get invested in finding out what happens to them. I love Jill Shalvis's books and I love this series.

I received a free copy of this book from Edleweiss and here is my honest review....more

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.Ivy is the owner of the famous Taco Truck in town, and she deserves every little bit of praise and glory she can receive. She hasn’t had the best life, and that is quite the understatement. Ivy and her brother were orphaned pretty early and sent to live with a relative. That aunt doted on them, especially Ivy, until she got sick and passed away, leaving them alone in the world once again. They did what they had to do to survive, though Ivy went more along the legal route than her brother did. ShIvy is the owner of the famous Taco Truck in town, and she deserves every little bit of praise and glory she can receive. She hasn’t had the best life, and that is quite the understatement. Ivy and her brother were orphaned pretty early and sent to live with a relative. That aunt doted on them, especially Ivy, until she got sick and passed away, leaving them alone in the world once again. They did what they had to do to survive, though Ivy went more along the legal route than her brother did. She finally feels like she has a home in San Francisco (pun intended) and wants to put down roots. Even though she has gained a great little circle of friends, she still doesn’t feel comfortable enough to be herself. Yet.

Kel has been burned by too many people in his life, some friendly some not so friendly, so he’s built up a wall. He avoids his sister because of their mother and that has kept him away from his hometown for far too long. Being back home now after being placed on administrative leave has him wondering if it’s time to return to his roots? He’s not sure he can ever forgive his mother, or what she did, but maybe he can warm to the idea. At least that way he’d get to see his little niece more than he does now. He doesn’t count on much in life and he certainly never counted on meeting Ivy.

Ivy isn’t sure why she isn’t nervous around Kel, he’s the law after all. He doesn’t make her hair stand on end like it does when she senses trouble. Yep she has her own built in spidey-sense. She is comfortable with him, maybe a little too comfortable for her own good. He starts getting close, getting under her self imposed wall and she isn’t sure how she feels about that.

Kel and Ivy grow closer though both are still holding back and keeping themselves guarded with each other. Old habits die hard, or so they say. When Kel proves himself to Ivy will she finally realize she can trust him 100 percent?

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this latest Heartbreaker Bay stop over. I loved catching up with past characters and seeing where they are now in life’s journeys. Another solid read for me, but with this author, I’m hard pressed to find a dud. ...more

After a lifetime on the move, Ivy Snow is an expert in all things temporary—schools, friends, and way too many Mr. Wrongs. Now that she owns a successful taco truck in San Francisco and an apartment to call home, Ivy’s reinvented life is on solid ground. And she’s guarded against anything that can rock it. Like the realities of a past she’s worked hard to cover up. And especially Kel O’Donnell. Too hot not to set off alarms, he screams temporary. If only his whispers weren’tIt’s love. Trust me.

After a lifetime on the move, Ivy Snow is an expert in all things temporary—schools, friends, and way too many Mr. Wrongs. Now that she owns a successful taco truck in San Francisco and an apartment to call home, Ivy’s reinvented life is on solid ground. And she’s guarded against anything that can rock it. Like the realities of a past she’s worked hard to cover up. And especially Kel O’Donnell. Too hot not to set off alarms, he screams temporary. If only his whispers weren’t so delightfully naughty and irresistible.

Kel, an Idaho sheriff and ranch owner, is on vacay, but Ivy’s a spicy reason to give his short-terms plans a second thought. Best of all, she’s a tonic for his untrusting heart, burned once and still in repair. But when Ivy’s past intrudes on a perfect romance, Kel fears that everything she’s told him has been a perfect lie. Now, if only Ivy’s willing to share, Kel will fight for a true love story.

Loved Ivy and Kel's story. Beautifully written and heartfelt. Ivy's past was heartbreaking and I loved seeing how her friends and Kel got past her tough exterior. Their relationship wasn't an easy one and it was so well written....more

I love returning to the Heartbreaker Bay Series! Eight books in and it’s always a pleasure to read! Ivy and Kel’s story was a great addition to the series.

Both of these characters have family and trust issues that go back to their childhood. They have put up walls to protect themselves, but they can’t deny the attraction and chemistry between them right from the beginning.

Kel, a sheriff and ranch owner living in Idaho is only back in San Francisco for a short time to help his cousin out with soI love returning to the Heartbreaker Bay Series! Eight books in and it’s always a pleasure to read! Ivy and Kel’s story was a great addition to the series.

Both of these characters have family and trust issues that go back to their childhood. They have put up walls to protect themselves, but they can’t deny the attraction and chemistry between them right from the beginning.

Kel, a sheriff and ranch owner living in Idaho is only back in San Francisco for a short time to help his cousin out with some security work on his new condo complex, but after meeting Ivy, he’s rethinking where his life is going and if SF could be his home once again.

But this isn’t an easy journey for these two. Secrets and family drama come into play and both will have to decide if they can learn to trust again, let love in and break down those walls they’ve put up to protect themselves.

I loved this book and Jill creates such great characters! She always brings on the fun, sexy, romantic, and heartfelt stories and Wrapped Up in You is no exception!

While this is the eighth book in the series, it can be read a standalone....more

Another wonderful book in the Heartbreaker Bay series. In Wrapped Up in You, we get Ivy and Kel’s story and once again it was full of emotional scenes with an awesome happily ever after. After years of moving around alone, Ivy Snow finally settled down in Cow Hollow and found her forever home. She had endured so much heartbreak in her past that it really warmed my heart to see her surrounded by people who care about her. This group of friends includes Kel O’Connell, who is currently visiting hisAnother wonderful book in the Heartbreaker Bay series. In Wrapped Up in You, we get Ivy and Kel’s story and once again it was full of emotional scenes with an awesome happily ever after. After years of moving around alone, Ivy Snow finally settled down in Cow Hollow and found her forever home. She had endured so much heartbreak in her past that it really warmed my heart to see her surrounded by people who care about her. This group of friends includes Kel O’Connell, who is currently visiting his cousin from Idaho. Kel too, has a heartbreaking past, he is recovering from a betrayal that made him so wary of trusting people. Ivy and Kel are kindred spirits, both having so much trouble forming relationships due to their past, but still feeling the pull towards each other.

I loved watching these two learn to trust again. There were still some past issues that caused a few bumps along the way, but the connection was so strong and the chemistry was sizzling that their HEA was inevitable. This was such a great read!

I was lucky enough to have received an ARC from the Book and a Blanket page on Facebook. All opinions are my own....more

New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras with her family and far too many assorted quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental.

Look for Jill's latest, LOST AND FOUND SISTERS on shelves and e-readers now, and get all her bestselling, award-winning books wherever romances are sold.

Visit Jill's websiNew York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras with her family and far too many assorted quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental.

Look for Jill's latest, LOST AND FOUND SISTERS on shelves and e-readers now, and get all her bestselling, award-winning books wherever romances are sold.

Visit Jill's website for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.